Sen. Fischer defends move against WOTUS sure to be vetoed

United States Sen. Deb Fischer defends action by the Senate to approve legislation to block the Environmental Protection Agency from implementing its controversial Waters of the United States rule.

Fischer says it doesn’t matter that the legislation is sure to be vetoed by President Barack Obama.

Fischer says it is important senators highlight their objections.

“The courts have put a stay on the rule,” Fischer tells Nebraska reporters in a conference call. “I think again it’s just very important that we show that we are opposed to this, that I’m opposed to this. I’m going to fight for the people of Nebraska.”

Thirty-two states have filed suit in federal court, claiming the EPA exceeded its Congressional authority in promoting the Waters of the United States rule. EPA defends the rule as a logical extension of the Clean Water Act. The federal courts have blocked the EPA from implementing the rule until the legal issues are resolved.

Fischer says it is important that Congress highlight its objection, even if the legislation dies on the president’s desk.

“I don’t believe it’s a waste of time to defend the people of our state and our state’s natural resource that we hold so dear, and that’s our water resources. I will continue to fight to make sure that Nebraskans and the state of Nebraska have control over our water, not the federal government.”